Tunisia

General Map

Medical Summary

The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax^®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).

COVID-19

General Information

Tunisia is a developing nation classified as lower middle income. Located in northern Africa along the Mediterranean Sea (north of Libya and Algeria), the climate classifications range from dry (arid) in the south to dry summer in the north.

Vaccinations

Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, or typhoid fever. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.

Malaria

WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)

No statement given.

CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)

Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.

Other Concerns

Travelers' Diarrhea

Moderate risk exists throughout the country, including in deluxe accommodations. Food and beverage precautions may reduce the likelihood of illness.

Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.

Other Food-Borne Illnesses

Precautions to prevent brucellosis may be needed.

Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases

Leishmaniasis, murine typhus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, West Nile virus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.

Other Disease and Health Risks

Additional concerns include Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, hepatitis C, marine hazards, schistosomiasis, snakebites, tuberculosis.

Consular Advice

The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.

Consular Travel Advice

Due to terrorism and military conflict, Australia (DFAT) advises avoiding travel within 30 km (19 mi) of the borders with Algeria and Libya (including the town of Ben Guerdane); to areas south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba; and to Mount Chaambi National Park (including the town of Kasserine); and advises reconsidering travel (or avoiding nonessential travel) to areas south of and including the towns of Nefta, Douz, Medenine, and Zarzis; and to Kasserine, El Kef, Jendouba, and Sidi Bouzid governates. US (DOS), UK (FCO), and Canada (GAC) have more limited warnings.

Terrorism Risk

High risk of attack by transnational terrorist groups exists throughout the country, especially in Tunis. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses; public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.

In 2019, attacks occurred in areas frequented by tourists.

High risk of kidnapping by terrorist groups exists throughout the country, especially in Mount Chaambi National Park (Kasserine Governorate), areas bordering Algeria and Libya, and the mountainous northern half of the country. Targets may include foreigners (especially Westerners), journalists, nongovernmental organization workers, missionaries, and aid workers.

Crime

Moderate risk of violent crime (armed robbery) exists throughout the country, including upscale neighborhoods.

Moderate risk of petty crime exists throughout the country, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Theft of valuables from unattended vehicles and accommodations is common.

Theft of valuables by criminals in passing vehicles is common.

Scams involving false befriending have been reported.

Civil Unrest

Protests and demonstrations frequently occur throughout the country, especially in Tunis and southern areas of the country, and have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.

Unsafe Areas

A dangerous security environment and military presence exist in areas bordering Algeria and Libya, including Mount Chaambi National Park.

Outdoor Safety

Desert excursions should only be undertaken with organized groups and experienced guides. Participants should inform someone not on the tour of their itinerary and anticipated return time. An adequate supply of food and water for extended unforeseen delays is essential.

Transportation Safety

High risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is 12 to 24 per 100,000 population. The rate is less than 10 in most high-income countries.

Speed laws are poorly enforced.

Seat belt laws are poorly enforced.

Drunk driving laws are poorly enforced.

Structural standards for vehicles may not meet international standards.

Natural Disasters

Sandstorms and dust storms frequently occur.

Seismic activity frequently occurs.

Consular Information

Selected Embassies or Consulates in Tunisia

United States: [+216] 71-107-000; tn.usembassy.gov
Canada: [+216] 70-010-200; www.canadainternational.gc.ca/tunisia-tunisie
United Kingdom: [+216] 71-108-700; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-tunis
Australia: Australia does not have an embassy or consulate in Tunisia.

Tunisia's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries

In the U.S.: www.tunisianembassy.org
In Canada: [+1] 613-237-0330
In the U.K.: www.diplomatie.gov.tn/en/nc/mission/etranger/ambassade-de-tunisie-a-londres-royaume-uni
In Australia: [+61] 02-9521-7444

Visa/HIV Testing

HIV testing is not required to obtain a tourist, work, or residence visa.

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